The second Meeting of the European Action Group for Moldova, held in Chisinau on September 1, is a powerful sign of friendship transmitted by the European partners to Moldova. The fact that the meeting took place the day the Association Agreement with the EU starts to be implemented on a temporary basis has a symbolic connotation. Such statements were made in a news conference after the event, IPN reports.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman said the presence of the European foreign ministers in Chisinau the day the Association Agreement starts to be applied represents a confirmation of the support enjoyed by Moldova on the part of the EU. “Over the next few years, we will have to maintain the same pace of implementing pro-European reforms and to make progress on the path to the EU. We enjoyed a lot of support and understating and encouragement on the part of the EU for continuing the European course,” she stated.
In the meeting, Prime Minister Iurie Leanca said that Moldova’s European future is a bold view that deserves to be discussed at the Riga Eastern Partnership Summit of 2015. The implementation of the Association Agreement, especially of the Free Trade Agreement, will gradually integrate Moldova into the internal market of the EU and will strengthen the political ties between the two sides.
Head of Parliament Igor Corman called on the EU member states to ratify the Association Agreement between Moldova and the EU as a matter of urgency. “Our national project – to modernize the Republic of Moldova by European integration – will bring real changes in the lives of our people who want to live in a democratic country with the rule of law, which guarantees a high living standard and higher pensions and salaries,” he stated, underlining that the Association Agreement does not run counter to the Free Trade Agreement with the CIS.
European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Štefan Füle reminded that World War II started 46 years ago. “At the beginning of the 21st century, we must learn from the made mistakes and committed crimes so that they never repeat. We want to create a better picture, a better Europe and a better Moldova,” he stated. He added that the European Commission will consider increasing the EU import quotas on apples, plums and grapes grown in Moldova.
Romanian Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean said the EU should further support the European integration of Moldova. “We highly approve of the efforts made by the Government of Moldova to implement the reforms. We will continue to support the European prospect of Moldova,” he stated. “For us, Romania, this Association Agreement with the EU is an intermediary stage in the European integration process, and we clearly support Moldova’s European perspective. It was a successful meeting.”
Italian Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini, who will take up the post of EU foreign affairs chief on November 1, said the EU is ready to assist Moldova in implementing the Association Agreement. “Surely, we must confirm the pro-European choice, which is a pro-citizen choice. Symbolism is very important, but the accomplishments are also important,” she stated.
French Secretary of State for European Affairs Harlem Desir said the benefits of the Association Agreement should be felt by all the people. “The constructive discussions show the EU supports Moldova and we now must implement the accord for the people’s benefit,” said the French official, adding that financial support of €150 million a year will be provided within the agreement during 2014-2017.
The meeting was attended by 11 EU foreign ministers, 9 state secretaries and ambassadors and deputy ministers. The Meeting of the European Action Group for Moldova is a mechanism launched in January 2010, on the initiative of Romania and France, to promote the interests and visibility of Moldova on the European agenda. This is the second meeting after that of September 2010.
